For this North Thailand trip, I brought along Thailand Rough Guide and Thailand Lonely Planet for information on country background, accommodation, maps, restaurants and places of interest.
If you need up-to-date information on the roads, you can try asking in GT-Rider forum (requires registration).
GT-Rider Mae Hong Son map provides an accurate travel map of Mae Hong Son region. The laminated map can be found in at some book stores and bike shops in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. The publisher also provides overseas shipping. You can find more details at GT-Rider website. Note that GT-Rider also provides Mae Sa Valley map.
GT-Rider Mae Hong Son Map
If you need some help packing for your trip, head over to Motorcycle Trip Packing Checklist.
To prepare yourself for the trip, I also recommend reading and watching some related literature. Not only does it provides greater insight into the country, it also helps to get you into the ‘mood’. Here are a few recommended books and videos:
Books
- You’ll Never Walk Alone by Debbie Singh
- Welcome to Hell by Colin Martin
- The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig
Videos
Great post! Thanks for all the info — I’m planning a similar trip in late March. Appreciate the tips.
great post. I’m gonna do this soon on a small bike I bought here. I’ve got loads of time so I’ll just take it easy. Inspired. Thanks for the post